Lather backflow preventive structure in washing machine and washing machine with the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a lather backflow preventive structure in a washing machine, and more particularly, to a lather backflow preventive structure in a washing machine for preventing lather or vapor from flowing back to a detergent box from an inside of a drum or a tub through a passage having the detergent introduced therethrough, and a washing machine with the same. The lather backflow preventive structure is positioned between the tub and the detergent box, and prevents lather or vapor from flowing back. The lather backflow preventive structure has a detergent box side passage formed at one end thereof for communication with the detergent box, and a tub side passage at the other end thereof for communication with the tub, for preventing lather from flowing back to the detergent box from the tub. A flow path is formed from the detergent box side passage to the tub side passage such that washing water can flow from the detergent box to the tub, the flow path formed at least partially hollow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2005-0006621, filed on Jan. 25, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lather backflow preventive structure in a washing machine, and more particularly, to a lather backflow preventive structure in a washing machine for preventing lather or vapor from flowing back to a detergent box from an inside of a drum or a tub through a passage having the detergent introduced therethrough, and a washing machine with the same.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

In general, the washing machine removes dirt from clothes or beddings (hereafter called as laundry) by using action of detergent and water (hereafter called as ‘washing water’). In the washing machines, there are agitator type, pulsator type, and drum type washing machines.

The agitator type washing machine washes by rotating an upstanding washing pole at a center of an inner tub in both directions. The pulsator type washing machine washes by using friction between a water circulation and laundry taken place as a pulsator of a disk shape on a bottom of an inside of an inner tub is rotated in both directions. The drum type washing machine washes by putting washing water, detergent and laundry in a drum having a plurality of lifts projected from an inside surface and rotating the drum.

A related art drum type washing machine is provided with a tub, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for rotating laundry held therein, and a detergent box for holding detergent, and a motor for rotating the drum.

The detergent box is connected to the tub with a bellows for supplying the detergent from the detergent box to the tub.

In the meantime, lather is formed in a process the detergent is dissolved in the washing water during the laundry is washed as the drum rotates. When a temperature of the washing water is high, vapor is also generated.

The lather and vapor formed in the drum flows back to the detergent box through the bellows.

For prevent such a backflow, in the related art, the bellows is formed in a “U” shape, for holding the washing water in the bellows, for preventing the lather from flowing back no more by means of the washing water held therein.

As another method, a check valve is formed in the bellows for preventing the backflow, for preventing the lather or the vapor from flowing back.

However, the related art methods has the following problems.

The use of the “U” shaped bellows is restricted in view of a space in the washing machine. That is, the “U” shaped bellows requires a comparatively large space. Moreover, the lengthy bellows causes many drawbacks. For an example, the bellows costs high, and causes a pressure loss of the flow.

If the check valve is provided in the bellows, a production cost becomes high and a fabrication process becomes complicate. Moreover, if the check valve in the bellows fails, to require replacing the bellows itself, a repair cost increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a lather backflow preventive structure in a washing machine and a washing machine with the same that substantially obviated one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a lather backflow preventive structure in a washing machine, and a washing machine with the same, for preventing lather and vapor from flowing back.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

The present invention relates to a washing machine including a detergent box for holding detergent, and a tub for having the detergent supplied thereto from the detergent box.

The lather backflow preventive structure of the present invention is positioned between the tub and the detergent box for preventing the lather or vapor from flowing back to the detergent box.

The lather backflow preventive structure has a detergent box side passage formed at one end thereof for communication with the detergent box, and a tub side passage at another end thereof for communication with the tub, for preventing lather from flowing back to the detergent box from the tub. A flow path is formed from the detergent box side passage to the tub side passage such that washing water can flow from the detergent box to the tub, the flow path formed at least partially hollow

Since the flow path is formed at least partially hollow, the lather backflow preventive structure can be mounted even in a small space. The related art ‘U’ tube requires a large space. Moreover, a total length of the lather backflow preventive structure of the present invention can be shorter than the related art ‘U’ tube.

There may be a washing water holding portion between the detergent box side passage and the tub side passage for holding the washing water. The lather flowing back from the tub is blocked at the washing water held therein, thereby preventing the lather from flowing into the detergent box.

It is preferable that the flow path has an ‘S’ shaped flow path from the detergent box side passage to the tub side passage.

The lather backflow preventive structure may include an outer structure and an inner structure.

The outer structure has a detergent box side passage formed at one end thereof, and a tub side passage formed at the other end thereof. The detergent box side passage is extended inwardly.

The inner structure is mounted in the outer structure, to make the flow path formed partially hollow and preferably have a ‘S’ shaped flow path.

Preferably, the lather backflow preventive structure further includes a washing water spreading projection.

The washing water spreading projection spreads the washing water inflowing through the detergent box side passage around the projection, to make a flow of the washing water smooth. The washing water is supplied to the detergent box to supply the detergent to the tub by using the water flow.

The lather backflow preventive structure can be mounted at any position between the detergent box and the tub. Preferably, the lather backflow preventive structure is mounted close to the tub, and a bellows may be used as a passage between the detergent box and the tub.

The washing machine of the present invention has the lather backflow preventive structure.

Preferably, the drum type washing machine includes a tub, a drum in the tub, a bellows connection device projected from one side of an outside circumferential surface of the tub, a detergent box over the tub, and a bellows connecting the detergent box and the bellows connection device. The drum type washing machine of the present invention has a backflow preventive member in the bellows connection device.

The mounting of the backflow preventive member in the bellows connection device enables comparatively easy assembly/disassembly, and is restricted less in view of space for mounting the same. A total shape of the bellows becomes simple and a production cost is saved.

It is preferable that the backflow preventive member has ribs for mounting in the bellows connection device.

It is preferable that the backflow preventive member has a space for holding the washing water. In this instance, the bellows has a discharge pipe extended enough to be placed in the backflow preventive member.

It is preferable that the discharge pipe is extended enough to be submerged in the washing water held in the space. The discharge pipe is blocked by the water, thereby preventing the lather from inflowing into the detergent box.

A hollow flow path is formed between a wall of the backflow preventive member, preferably a wall around the space that holds the washing water, and a wall of the bellows connection device.

The washing water overflowing the space is introduced to the tub through the hollow flow path. The flow path in the bellows connection device is formed as an ‘S’ shape.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings;

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a drum type washing machine having a lather backflow preventive structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention applied thereto, schematically;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an exterior of the lather backflow preventive structure in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a section across a line I-I′ in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional perspective view of a backflow preventive member in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a drum type washing machine having a lather backflow preventive structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention applied thereto schematically, and FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an exterior of the lather backflow preventive structure in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a drum type washing machine 100 having a lather backflow preventive structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention applied thereto includes a cabinet 110 of an exterior thereof, a front cover 120 mounted on a front of the cabinet 110, a cylindrical tub 130 in the cabinet 110, a door 150 for opening/closing a front of a drum 140 (see FIG. 3) in the tub 130, and a control panel 160 on an upper side of the front cover 120 for setting a washing condition, a washing time period, and so on.

In detail, the drum type washing machine 100 includes a detergent box 200 having a detergent container 210 placed in one side of the upper side of the front cover 120 and a detergent container case 220 for holding the detergent container 210, a water supply pipe 180 connected to a rear side of the detergent container case 220 for supplying the washing water from a water source to the detergent box 210, and a bellows 170 having one end connected to the rear side of the detergent container case 220, and the other end connected to one side of an upper side of the tub 130, for enabling the washing water mixed with the detergent at the detergent box 210 to flow to the drum 140.

In more detail, the detergent container case 220 has a bellows connection portion 221 for connection to the bellows 221 to prevent the washing water from leaking.

The tub 130 has a bellows connection device projected therefrom for connection to an end of the bellows 170. The bellows 170 has an anti-vibration portion 171 at an end for preventing vibration from taking place as the drum 140 rotates from transmitting to the bellows 170 through the bellows connection device 131. The bellows 170 is curved for elimination of the lather in a course of backflow even if the lather flows back.

By above configuration, upon applying power after introduction of laundry in the drum 140 and closing the door, the washing water flows to the detergent box 200 through the water supply pipe 180. The washing water in the detergent box 200 is mixed with the detergent in the detergent box 210.

The washing water mixed with the detergent at the detergent box 200 is introduced into the tub 130 through the bellows 170. The washing water flows into the drum 140 through a plurality of pass through holes in a circumference of the drum 140.

FIG. 3 illustrates a section across a line I-I′ in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional perspective view of a backflow preventive member in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lather backflow preventive structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention achieves an object thereof with a backflow preventive member 230 placed in the bellows connection device 131.

In detail, the bellows 170 includes a vibration preventive portion 171 of a bellows at one end thereof, a coupling sleeve 173 at an end of the vibration preventive portion 171 with a predetermined diameter for coupling with the bellows connection device 131 at an upper side thereof, and a discharge pipe 172 extended from an end of the vibration preventive portion 171 on an inside of the coupling sleeve 173 with a predetermined diameter.

Placed in the bellows connection device 131 formed on one side of the upper side of the tub 130, there is a backflow preventive member 230. The backflow preventive member 230 has at least one rib of a predetermined length on an outside circumference of for preventing the backflow preventive member 230 from falling off the bellows connection device 131 one in position. The bellows connection portion 131 at an upper side is coupled with the coupling sleeve 173 of the bellows 170.

In detail, the backflow preventive member 230 is cylindrical, with a low end portion curved with a radius of curvature the same with the tub 130. In the tub 130, there is the drum 140. Therefore, interference of the low end portion of the backflow preventive member 230 with the drum 140 is prevented during rotation of the drum 140.

In more detail, the discharge pipe 172 is placed in the backflow preventive member 230, and a cone 231 is projected at a height from a bottom of the backflow preventive member 230. A tip of the cone 231 is positioned at a center of the discharge pipe 172.

The backflow preventive member 230 has a length at least equal to, or shorter than the bellows connection device 131, for easy inflow of the washing water into the backflow preventive member 230.

A washing water flow in the lather backflow preventive structure will be described.

The washing water flowed through the bellows 170 flows through the discharge pipe 172, and is held in a cavity of the backflow preventive member 230. The washing water discharged through the discharge pipe 172 is spread along an outside circumferential surface of the cone 231. Then, the washing water spouts from the discharged pipe 172, and is held in the backflow preventive member 230. Then, the washing water overflows from the backflow preventive member 230, and falls down into the tub 130 through a gap between the bellows connection device 131 and an outside circumferential surface of the backflow preventive member 230. Then, the washing water fallen down into the tub 130 is held therein.

In the meantime, once supply of the washing water is finished, the washing water does not flow to the drum 140, but is held in the cavity of the backflow preventive member 230. Since an end of the discharge pipe 172 is positioned in the backflow preventive member 230, the end of the discharge pipe 172 is always submerged in the washing water held in the backflow preventive member 230.

Eventually, even if the lather produced in the course of washing flows back to the backflow preventive member 230, the lather can not flow into the discharge pipe 172 owing to the washing water held in the backflow preventive member 230.

Moreover, the backflow preventive member 230 has a height lower than the bellows connection portion to form a space between the coupling sleeve 173 and a top side of the backflow preventive member 230. That is, a level of the washing water held in the backflow preventive member 230 is lower than the coupling sleeve 173.

According to this, the formation of a water film between the coupling sleeve 173 and the top side of the backflow preventive member 230 by the lather flowing back through the bellows connection device 131 can be prevented.

FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a section like FIG. 2. The backflow preventive structure in FIG. 5 includes an outer structure 273, and 231 and an inner structure 330. The outer structure 273, and 231 has an upper structure 273 and a lower structure 231, for coupling/decoupling to/from each other. The outer structure has a detergent box side passage in flow communication with the detergent box, and is connected to the detergent box through a bellows 270 having an anti-vibration portion.

As shown, the detergent box side passage is extended inwardly.

Moreover, the outer structure has a tub side passage in flow communication with the tub through a pipe like a bellows.

The inner structure 330 has a washing water holding portion for holding the washing water. The detergent box side passage is extended inward from the outer structure to an inside of the washing water holding portion. The washing water in the washing water holding portion blocks the detergent box side passage.

In the washing water holding portion, there is a cone 331. The cone is arranged under the detergent box side passage, for spreading the washing water thereto in a radial direction.

On a wall of the washing water holding portion, there is ribs 232 extended to an inside wall of a lower side of the outer structure. The ribs 232 enable the inner structure 330 to be mounted in the outer structure 273, and 231. Between the ribs, a passage to the tub is formed.

The tub side passage is in flow communication with the tub 230 through another pipe, like a bellows. The detergent and washing water supplied to the tub 230 is introduced to the drum 240.

Referring to FIG. 5, the washing water passed through the detergent box side passage flows toward the tub through the passages between the ribs via the washing water holding portion. The flow of washing water through the passage forms an ‘S’ in the backflow preventive structure.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A lather backflow preventive structure in a drum type washing machine comprising: a tub; a drum in the tub; a bellows connection device projected from one side of an outside circumference of the tub; a detergent box mounted over the tub; a bellows for connecting the detergent box and the bellows connection device; and a backflow preventive member in the bellows connection device.
 2. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one rib on an outside circumferential surface of the backflow preventive member for mounting the backflow preventive member in the bellows connection device.
 3. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the backflow preventive member includes a cavity, and a curved bottom surface having the same radius of curvature as the tub.
 4. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the backflow preventive member includes a washing water spreading projection projected from the bottom at a predetermined height so as to spread washing water coming through the bellows.
 5. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the washing water spreading projection has a cone shape.
 6. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bellows includes; an anti-vibration portion of a bellows shape at one end, and a discharge pipe extended a predetermined distance from an end of the anti-vibration portion so as to be placed in the backflow preventive member.
 7. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bellows includes a coupling sleeve at one end for coupling to an upper side of the bellows connection device.
 8. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the backflow preventive member has a length shorter than a length of the bellows connection device.
 9. A lather backflow preventive structure for a washing machine comprising a tub and a detergent box for holding detergent, the lather backflow preventive structure for being mounted in a passage for supplying detergent from the detergent box to the tub for preventing lather from the tub from flowing back to the detergent box, the lather backflow preventive structure comprising: one end wherein a detergent box side passage is formed for flow communication with the detergent box, and another end wherein a tub side passage is formed for flow communication with the tub, wherein a flow path is formed from the detergent box side passage to the tub side passage such that washing water can flow therein, the flow path formed at least partially hollow.
 10. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a washing water holding portion between the detergent box side passage and the tub side passage.
 11. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the flow path comprising an ‘S’ shaped flow path.
 12. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 11, further comprising: an outer structure including the detergent box side passage extended inwardly from one end thereof, and the tub side passage formed at the other end thereof; and an inner structure in the outer structure so as to form an ‘S’ shaped flow path from the detergent box side passage to the tub side passage.
 13. The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: a cone for spreading washing water introduced thereto through the detergent box side passage.
 14. A washing machine comprising: a tub; a detergent box; and a lather backflow preventive structure mounted in a passage for supplying detergent from the detergent box to the tub, the structure comprising one end wherein a detergent box side passage is formed for flow communication with the detergent box, and another end wherein a tub side passage is formed for flow communication with the tub, wherein a flow path is formed from the detergent box side passage to the tub side passage such that washing water can flow from the detergent box to the tub, the flow path formed at least partially hollow.
 15. The washing machine as claimed in claim 14, wherein the backflow preventive structure includes a washing water holding portion between the detergent box side passage and the tub side passage for holding washing water.
 16. The washing machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the flow path comprising an ‘S’ shaped flow path. 